Today's NBA power forward must have the ability to play inside, outside and everything in between, and that necessary versatility has revolutionized the game. The phenomenon is best represented by LeBron James, who often takes the role of point forward for Miami, and rising stars like Minnesota's Kevin Love and Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge, who is the best mid-range shooter in the game today. Their range allows coaches to play small and big while generally not compromising the team's philosophy.
Below are the league's top 10 power forwards in 2014:
LeBron James, Miami Heat
AP
It's nearly impossible to find a flaw in James' game. The 29-year-old is shooting a career-best 57 percent from the floor (he boasts the best true shooting percentage in the NBA), a number so special that it's almost hard to comprehend. He is sensational defensively, and is the rare superstar who doesn't shy away from guarding his opponent's best player.
Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
AP
Love has become one of the NBA's most complete offensive weapons. The 25-year-old is averaging a remarkable 26 points and 13 rebounds, but continues to fight the perception that he can't win. Yet Love has already produced his 25th career 30-point, 15-rebound game, beating Kevin Garnett to that milestone by more than 500 games.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trail Blazers
AP
This was a make-or-break year for Aldridge and the Blazers -- and without a doubt they've made it. Aldridge, who'd been rumored to be looking for a trade, has enjoyed the best season of his eight-year career, with averages of 24 points (seventh in the NBA) and 11 rebounds per game, both career bests. Portland runs an estimated 100 plays and relies on Aldridge in many of them to stretch the floor as a passer and scorer.He is likely to earn All-NBA honors this year.
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Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
AP
Davis' stunning growth over a short period of time has made him an All-Star this season. Just five years ago, he was an unrecruited 6-foot-2 high school guard. When New Orleans took him first overall in 2012, his defensive prowess wasn't in doubt (he currently leads the league in blocks). What's more impressive has been his improvement on offense, shooting 48 percent from the half-court, per Synergy, and converting 56 percent in pick-and-roll.
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
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Anthony's most efficient season has him shooting a healthy 42 percent from 3, averaging more than 27 points, with a turnover rate at a career low. While the right move for the Knicks would be to trade the 29-year-old All-Star before he enters free agency this summer, it's hard to find fault in Melo's production right now.
Blake Griffin, LA Clippers
AP
Blake Griffin is known as one of the league's premier dunkers, but the 24-year-old top pick has seriously revamped his jump shot to become a more complete player. According to Synergy Sports Technology, Griffin is shooting a respectable 41 percent in spot-up opportunities, easily the best clip of his career.
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Serge Ibaka, OKC Thunder
AP
Ibaka is always going to be the third offensive option behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. But he's still an excellent pick-and-pop player, a terrific finisher in the paint and currently ranks second in blocks. When he's on the court, his dynamic athleticism allows the Thunder to employ several different lineups.
Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
AP
Despite his age, Duncan, 37, is still one of the game's best big men. While he's slowed down a bit, he remains a reliable individual and team defender with a veteran's eye for interior moves in and around the paint. Per Synergy, Duncan, averaging 15 and 10, converts a healthy 43 percent in post-up opportunities.
Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
AP
Randolph continues to grind it out as one of the game's least flashy, but most productive big men. A terrific low-post scorer who uses excellent footwork to overcome his lack of leaping ability, the 13-year pro is averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds.
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Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
AP
He doesn't rebound or draw fouls like he used to, but Nowitzki remains one of the most skilled and dangerous shooting threats in league. In fact, he's above his career marks in all the shooting percentage categories, including a healthy 41 percent from 3. One of the more creative scorers the league has ever seen, the 35-year-old made his 12th All-Star team this year.
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